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The Effects of Universal Preschool on Second Grade Standardized Test Scores in California.

Creator

McElroy, Katherine A., Department of Economics

Abstract/Description

The purpose of this study was to determine if economically integrated preschool, denoted as universal preschool, has a significant effect on the test scores of second grade students in California. Previous studies have shown conclusive results on the positive effect that general preschool has on children's success in school and later in life. This study compared preschool enrollments and standardized test scores across counties in California. Due to the novelty of universal preschool programs... Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine if economically integrated preschool, denoted as universal preschool, has a significant effect on the test scores of second grade students in California. Previous studies have shown conclusive results on the positive effect that general preschool has on children's success in school and later in life. This study compared preschool enrollments and standardized test scores across counties in California. Due to the novelty of universal preschool programs, long term and accessible data is rare. This project focused specifically on preschool in counties in California due to the availability of data. The study looks at Los Angeles County because it implemented a universal preschool program, where no other counties in California have. I collected second grade California Standardized Test (CST) score data from the California Department of Education, and I collected county level preschool enrollment data from the United States Census Bureau. To control for differences between counties, the study used a fixed effects model. The study concluded that general preschool has a positive effect on test scores, and negative effect on the percentage of students scoring below basic and far below basic on the CST. The study found trends in the difference between Los Angeles County and the rest of California for the preschool enrollment rates over time, and CST scores over time. Further research could provide cost benefit analyses of universal preschool programs. Such studies could influence education policies regarding preschool to increase education equality. Show less